In about a half hour midday yesterday, Derek Kite and I saw three species of grebes and one of loons. Superficially, each of these birds looks like a duck, but none is. At this time of the year, each is in its eclipse plumage and so looks somewhat different than the striking breeding plumage of summer.
This Horned Grebe was seen in the distance and against the light.
The Red-necked Grebe made for a much easier shot.
Western Grebes have returned to the Lake and will be with us during the fall.
We saw five different Common Loons. Here are a couple of them.
Finally, a lagniappe for those of us who remember the drinking-duck toy (albeit this is a grebe).
…love the red eyes on the loons!
Alistair, I had one of those drinking bird toys when I was a kid. I seem to recall there was some sort of controversy about the safety of the red liquid in them, and they were no longer available. I was fascinated by that toy, but I think Mom got rid of it once the safety question arose. It was a sad loss for a budding science enthusiast.